Reacting to the publication today (31 May 2018) of the Auditor General's report on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Denise Christie, regional secretary of the FBU in Scotland, said: "Many areas of this report are extremely concerning for firefighters and the communities of Scotland. The FBU are extremely proud of the work firefighters do but we have concerns about the management and funding of the service.
Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, has announced that 12 beaches in the Highlands have received Scottish Beach Awards in 2018, recognising the high standards provided to users - from keeping sand litter free to providing excellent information and accessible amenities. Signalling the start of the traditional Scottish bathing season on 1st June, the annual Scottish Beach Awards celebrate some of the best managed beaches in the country and act as a benchmark for local environmental quality on Scotland's coastline.
Speaking after the passing of the Scottish Government's Islands (Scotland) Bill, Cllr Margaret Davidson, Leader of the Highland Council said: "I welcome the passing of this Bill which recognises the importance of our Island communities and considers the impact of legislation and policies on people who live there. "The Bill refers to a national islands plan which is aimed at improving outcomes for island communities and I really look forward to positive discussions with the Scottish Government about this plan.
Turning the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) into a more flexible, modern service has been steady but slow, says the Auditor General. Caroline Gardner's report says real progress has been made with integrating the eight former services into a single body.
The trial expansion of early learning and childcare in 6 centres in Highland was welcomed by Members of Highland Council's Care, Learning and Housing Committee today (30 May 2018). The aim of the expansion is to provide high quality, flexible early learning and childcare that is accessible and affordable for families.
Everyone north of the Kessock Bridge will be thankful for improvements to this junction. So many of us have wasted time and burnt fuel waiting to get through it.
The work of Highland Council's Care and Learning Service to provide sustainable quality education in Highland communities was further endorsed today by members of the Council’s Care, Learning and Housing Committee. Members gave their approval to the reframing of the previous "Management in Schools Programme" to an updated and revised “Sustainable Education in Highlands” programme.
People to have their say on Scotland's public services. People across Scotland are being invited to join a conversation about community decision-making to help make public services more locally focused.
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. Scotland's Chief Statistician today published the above statistics on the progress and results of revaluation appeals following the 2010 and 2017 Revaluations, as at 31 March 2018.
A package of measures, including £50 million extra funding, is to be made available to health boards this year to reduce long waits for treatment. Health Boards will receive an initial share of £25 million to target a number of specialities, including neurology, orthopaedics and diagnostics, to help deliver swift treatment.
In order for Highland Council to consider applying to Scottish Government for a ‘rent pressure zone' designation in the region; more research and local dialogue is required - councillors were informed today (30 May 2018) at Care, Learning and Housing Committee. Highland Councillors were updated on the implications of Section 35 of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 which enables local authorities to apply to Scottish Ministers to ask that all or part of their authority's area be designated as a rent pressure zone.
A leading educationalist, researcher and former teacher has been awarded the title of professor by the University of the Highlands and Islands. Professor Morag Redford, from Coupar Angus, Perthshire, has been awarded the personal chair (professorship) in recognition of her achievements and potential in leading the provision and development of teacher education across the Highlands and Islands.
A recruitment campaign seeking a new Chief Constable to lead the second largest police service in the UK has been launched today, Tuesday 29 May 2018. The Scottish Police Authority is advertising for an outstanding and accomplished police leader to drive improvement and ensure Police Scotland adapts to meet the needs of Scotland's diverse communities in a rapidly changing world.
The Highland Council welcomes the findings published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) that 16 beaches designated for bathing across the Highlands and Islands have met strict environmental standards for water quality. The results for designated bathing beaches across the Highlands and Islands show 8 classed as excellent, 4 good and 4 falling into the sufficient category.
More than 200 people packed into the Weigh Inn hotel in Thurso this week as Dounreay Site Restoration Limited and supply chain partners shared plans and ideas about the decommissioning of the site. Leading nuclear firms mixed with numerous small and medium sized enterprises for the event which was attended by those who either support the site through existing framework contracts or have registered for the innovative ‘LINC with Dounreay' scheme.
Weeks Commencing 7th - 21st May 2018 Energy & business services: As the first towers for the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm arrive in Nigg this week, Crown Estate Scotland has begun looking ahead to the next generation of offshore wind projects in Scotland. The Moray Firth has been a real focal point for offshore wind in Scotland, with the Beatrice project set to enter its operation and maintenance phase in 2019 and the Moray Offshore project currently moving towards financial close during 2018.
FORT WILLIAM, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (May, 25th) sold 124 store cattle, 17 OTM cattle, 12 adult head of breeding cattle, and 670 sheep. Bullocks (29) averaged 255.6p and sold to 300.0p per kilo for a pair of 260kg Charolais crosses from Moy Farm, Banavie, and £1,010 gross a 390kg Limousin cross from Balmaglaster, Spean Bridge, (Cameron).
Crown Estate Scotland has unveiled proposals to lease seabed to encourage a new generation of offshore wind projects in Scotland's waters. The paper, published thisweek, outlines the draft process and asks those interested to feed back to help shape the final approach.
Struggling hardware chain Homebase has been sold to retail turnaround specialist Hilco Capital for the nominal sum of £1. Homebase was put up for sale by its Australian owner earlier this year, just two years after completing a £340m takeover.
More than £6.9 million will be invested in projects to help fishing fleets land and sell their catch and support jobs in coastal communities. The sixth round of the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) will award grants to 107 projects across Scotland.